Late Models: #34 Alan Vochaska
Warriors: #7 Ryan Hamm
Street Stock: #96 Mike Lynn
Mini Stock: #6 Mark Farber
Factory Stock: #97 David "Spike" Grega
Modifieds: #1 Randy Whitten
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Winston and Thunderbird offer local race fans weekly action
Winston and Thunderbird offer local race fans weekly action
By Shawn Liverance
Muskegon Chronicle
May 15, 2010, 8:31PM
Local auto racing fans know all about the local tracks in the area.
Every Friday and Saturday night from April through September they can be found following their favorite drivers at Winston Speedway or Thunderbird Raceway.
The two tracks provide some of the best dirt track racing in the state of Michigan.
If you are unfamiliar with the two tracks and have never experienced a night of racing, you might want to give it a try.
“Last year, we had a record crowd of 2,300 for a June event, Winston Speedway owner Tom Sprague said. “That shows what kind of program we put on every week.”
Both Winston and Thunderbird offer a variety of racing action each week.
The following is what you can expect from each track for the upcoming season.
Winston Speedway
This season marks the 30th year of racing at WInston Speedway in Rothbury. The 3/8 mile high banked oval track runs six classes of cars each Friday night.
Drivers can race in Late Model, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Bombers, 4-Cylinders and Warriors classes each week.
Tom and Lois Sprague took over the track in 2006 and have steadily made improvements to the track. For his efforts, Sprague was named the 2009 UMP Dirt Car Racing Promoter of the Year.
”It has been a goal of mine to make sure that the drivers enjoy coming here,” Sprague said.
Winston has increased its fields since Sprague has taken over ownership and that led to the award.
”We have had bigger numbers of cars and more interest in racing here,” Sprague said.
The racing action is in full swing at Winston and the track has plenty of big events planned for this season, according to Sprague.
On July 23, the Winged Outlaw Late Model series will visit the track, and on July 16 and Sept. 3, the Winged SOD sprint cars will make their only West Michigan stop this summer.
The top Late Model drivers from around the Midwest will visit the track on Aug. 20 for the Sunoco Late Model Series race. Also demolition derbies and offroad scrambles are featured one Saturday night a month throughout the summer.
Last year, several Winston drivers earned national recognition.
Bill May was honored as the national champion of UMP dirt car’s entry-level class.
Montague’s John McCaul captured the modified regional crown, while Brian Williams was the regional champion of the Sportsman class. Another Winston driver C.J. Rector was an entry-level regional champion.
“I want to continue on getting more cars and making this a place where guys want to run,” Sprague said.
Thunderbird Raceway
The 1/3-mile, high banked dirt oval on Riley Thompson Road is nearly in a class of its own when it comes to hosting racing each week.
“The track opened in 1958 and is one of only two dirt tracks in the state that continuously operated weekly racing since the 1950s,” Thunderbird track promoter Ross Ferguson said.
Many drivers have made a name for themselves at the track over the years, including former Nextel Cup driver Johnny Benson Jr., who won his first feature race at Thunderbird in the 1980s.
Last season, the track was purchased by Arroway Farms of Hartford and continued the same format of the previous owners.
Every Saturday night, the track offers racing in Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Bombers and 4-Cylinder classes, along with two ultra economical classes, the V-8 Thundersticks and the 4-Cylinder Warriors.
“We made a decision to bring in the high-powered late models this season,” Ferguson said.
Several special events are also planned for Thunderbird this season, including the Wingless Sprints and the MORA Mini Mods.
Almost every week the track offers community nights where the track allows residents in various zip codes to be admitted at half price.
“Many improvements have been made since 2009 to the rack track and many more are in the planning stages,” Ferguson said.
By Shawn Liverance
Muskegon Chronicle
May 15, 2010, 8:31PM
Local auto racing fans know all about the local tracks in the area.
Every Friday and Saturday night from April through September they can be found following their favorite drivers at Winston Speedway or Thunderbird Raceway.
The two tracks provide some of the best dirt track racing in the state of Michigan.
If you are unfamiliar with the two tracks and have never experienced a night of racing, you might want to give it a try.
“Last year, we had a record crowd of 2,300 for a June event, Winston Speedway owner Tom Sprague said. “That shows what kind of program we put on every week.”
Both Winston and Thunderbird offer a variety of racing action each week.
The following is what you can expect from each track for the upcoming season.
Winston Speedway
This season marks the 30th year of racing at WInston Speedway in Rothbury. The 3/8 mile high banked oval track runs six classes of cars each Friday night.
Drivers can race in Late Model, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Bombers, 4-Cylinders and Warriors classes each week.
Tom and Lois Sprague took over the track in 2006 and have steadily made improvements to the track. For his efforts, Sprague was named the 2009 UMP Dirt Car Racing Promoter of the Year.
”It has been a goal of mine to make sure that the drivers enjoy coming here,” Sprague said.
Winston has increased its fields since Sprague has taken over ownership and that led to the award.
”We have had bigger numbers of cars and more interest in racing here,” Sprague said.
The racing action is in full swing at Winston and the track has plenty of big events planned for this season, according to Sprague.
On July 23, the Winged Outlaw Late Model series will visit the track, and on July 16 and Sept. 3, the Winged SOD sprint cars will make their only West Michigan stop this summer.
The top Late Model drivers from around the Midwest will visit the track on Aug. 20 for the Sunoco Late Model Series race. Also demolition derbies and offroad scrambles are featured one Saturday night a month throughout the summer.
Last year, several Winston drivers earned national recognition.
Bill May was honored as the national champion of UMP dirt car’s entry-level class.
Montague’s John McCaul captured the modified regional crown, while Brian Williams was the regional champion of the Sportsman class. Another Winston driver C.J. Rector was an entry-level regional champion.
“I want to continue on getting more cars and making this a place where guys want to run,” Sprague said.
Thunderbird Raceway
The 1/3-mile, high banked dirt oval on Riley Thompson Road is nearly in a class of its own when it comes to hosting racing each week.
“The track opened in 1958 and is one of only two dirt tracks in the state that continuously operated weekly racing since the 1950s,” Thunderbird track promoter Ross Ferguson said.
Many drivers have made a name for themselves at the track over the years, including former Nextel Cup driver Johnny Benson Jr., who won his first feature race at Thunderbird in the 1980s.
Last season, the track was purchased by Arroway Farms of Hartford and continued the same format of the previous owners.
Every Saturday night, the track offers racing in Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Bombers and 4-Cylinder classes, along with two ultra economical classes, the V-8 Thundersticks and the 4-Cylinder Warriors.
“We made a decision to bring in the high-powered late models this season,” Ferguson said.
Several special events are also planned for Thunderbird this season, including the Wingless Sprints and the MORA Mini Mods.
Almost every week the track offers community nights where the track allows residents in various zip codes to be admitted at half price.
“Many improvements have been made since 2009 to the rack track and many more are in the planning stages,” Ferguson said.
I-96 Speedway Drivers Adjusting
I-96 Speedway's new oval draws mixed reviews as drivers adjust
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
LAKE ODESSA -- Jeep Van Wormer has been to about 100 tracks across the country, so he has seen tracks in all shorts of sizes and shapes.
The Pinconning resident has given passing grades to I-96 Speedway’s new track, and he is sure others opinions will be positive.
It might just take some time.
“We’ve been to a bunch of tracks. Usually, we race on the big track when we come here,” Van Wormer said before the features started. “I think we’ll have good racing tonight. It seems like the corners are sweeping more so we’re constantly turning. Guys enter the corner a bit different.”
The track has a new three-eighths-mile oval within the half-mile track, which has been in place since 1970 when the speedway opened.
Mike Mouch, the owner of I-96 Speedway, wanted to create a more economical track for drivers to race on for the weekly features, while still utilizing the half-mile oval for larger events like next Saturday’s World of Outlaws, which is expected to draw about 8,000 spectators.
Mouch has noticed an increased interest and higher car counts this season, signs that people are warming up to the new look.
“My fans are enjoying this so far,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of races where it has been multi-group, with cars sometimes three or four across. Sometimes, we’ve even had cars be five or six wide across the track.”
The track will host the weekly race divisions, which include Late Model, Modified, Mini Sprint, Street Stock and Road Beater. It is one of 10 tracks in Michigan that have three-eighth mile ovals, including Crystal Motor Speedway (near Carson City), Winston (Rothbury) and Thunderbird (Muskegon).
“A lot of my racers like this better, but the guys that used to dominate on the half-mile aren’t as happy because there’s increased competition,” Mouch said.
"What we’ve built now accommodates the average racer week in and week out.
“The ones who are on the budget, the ones that don’t take part every week, those are
the ones that race the half-mile.”
The track has met with approval from longtime fans like Jack Painter, an Alma resident who travels to several tracks across mid-Michigan.
“I’ve been here every week and I wasn’t aware he was going to do the improvements this winter,” said Painter, who has attended races here since 1972. “I like it myself. I think (Mouch) has done a great job.
“It’s not quite as big as I’d like, but it’s good. There’s a couple ruts on the turns, and once those are taken care of it should be fine.”
Veteran I-96 drivers, such as Lowell resident Mark Anderson, still are getting used to the new configuration.
“I’ve been here for about 10 years and I like the half-mile,” Anderson said. “I’d much rather have the half-mile. There’s a lot less beating and banging and more room to race.
By Steve Ungrey
The Grand Rapids Press
LAKE ODESSA -- Jeep Van Wormer has been to about 100 tracks across the country, so he has seen tracks in all shorts of sizes and shapes.
The Pinconning resident has given passing grades to I-96 Speedway’s new track, and he is sure others opinions will be positive.
It might just take some time.
“We’ve been to a bunch of tracks. Usually, we race on the big track when we come here,” Van Wormer said before the features started. “I think we’ll have good racing tonight. It seems like the corners are sweeping more so we’re constantly turning. Guys enter the corner a bit different.”
The track has a new three-eighths-mile oval within the half-mile track, which has been in place since 1970 when the speedway opened.
Mike Mouch, the owner of I-96 Speedway, wanted to create a more economical track for drivers to race on for the weekly features, while still utilizing the half-mile oval for larger events like next Saturday’s World of Outlaws, which is expected to draw about 8,000 spectators.
Mouch has noticed an increased interest and higher car counts this season, signs that people are warming up to the new look.
“My fans are enjoying this so far,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of races where it has been multi-group, with cars sometimes three or four across. Sometimes, we’ve even had cars be five or six wide across the track.”
The track will host the weekly race divisions, which include Late Model, Modified, Mini Sprint, Street Stock and Road Beater. It is one of 10 tracks in Michigan that have three-eighth mile ovals, including Crystal Motor Speedway (near Carson City), Winston (Rothbury) and Thunderbird (Muskegon).
“A lot of my racers like this better, but the guys that used to dominate on the half-mile aren’t as happy because there’s increased competition,” Mouch said.
"What we’ve built now accommodates the average racer week in and week out.
“The ones who are on the budget, the ones that don’t take part every week, those are
the ones that race the half-mile.”
The track has met with approval from longtime fans like Jack Painter, an Alma resident who travels to several tracks across mid-Michigan.
“I’ve been here every week and I wasn’t aware he was going to do the improvements this winter,” said Painter, who has attended races here since 1972. “I like it myself. I think (Mouch) has done a great job.
“It’s not quite as big as I’d like, but it’s good. There’s a couple ruts on the turns, and once those are taken care of it should be fine.”
Veteran I-96 drivers, such as Lowell resident Mark Anderson, still are getting used to the new configuration.
“I’ve been here for about 10 years and I like the half-mile,” Anderson said. “I’d much rather have the half-mile. There’s a lot less beating and banging and more room to race.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Power Failure Ends Winston's night of Racing
With feature line-ups all set and an anxious crowd ready to watch six divisions of feature events, the unthinkable happened. A transformer near the track blew. Some power was available as 110 amp power was available but there was no 220 or 440 amp service to light the track.
Features will be made up at a later date. Stay tuned for more information.
Features will be made up at a later date. Stay tuned for more information.
Jeep VanWormer: Headed to I-96
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 13, 2010
Jeep Van Wormer Looks Ahead to I-96 Speedway this Weekend!
(PINCONNING, MICHIGAN) Jeep Van Wormer and his #55 Dirt Late Model team made their first-ever visit to the Rocky Top Raceway in Coal Grove, Ohio on Friday night, May 7 for a $5,000 to win unsanctioned event. Jeep laid down the second quickest lap during qualifying at RTR and later won his heat race. After drawing the outside front row starting spot for the 50-lap main event, Jeep had his sights set on his fourth win of the year. Unfortunately, a large clump of mud or a rock went through the radiator at the start of the race, sending the Pinconning, Michigan native pitside with a disappointing twentieth place finish.
On Saturday evening, May 8, the Iron Motorsports team traveled to the Fremont Speedway in Fremont, Ohio for a $2,000 to win American Late Model Series (ALMS) show. However, Mother Nature had other ideas and the program was canceled due to rain. You can view complete results from Rocky Top on Friday by accessing www.rockytopraceway.net.
Next up for the Iron Motorsports team will be a trip to the I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan this Saturday, May 15. The American Late Model Series (ALMS) will sanction a $2,000 to win event on Saturday at the Wolverine State venue. The I-96 race will mark the only time Jeep will sling dirt this upcoming weekend. Additional information on this program can be found online at www.americanlatemodelseries.com.
In other news, the #55 team has received their allotment of tickets to sell for the upcoming 'Dream 100' and 'World 100' at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio! Both general admission and reserved tickets are available for purchase. Please visit www.jeepvanwormer.com for additional information!
The IMS team thanks the following sponsors for their continued and unwavering support of the #55 team: Bayline Fire Protection, Globe Technologies, Services on Site, Van Wormer Management, Rocket Chassis, Cornett Racing Engines, ACPT, Allstar Performance, Banshee Graphics, Barnes Oil Systems, Bell Racing, Beyea Headers, Brinn, Inc., Delph Communications, Duralite Wheels, Fine Line Window Tinting, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Hoosier Racing Tire, Howe Racing Enterprises, Integra Shocks & Springs, J.C. Dubil, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Joe's Racing Products, K-B Carburetors, KRC Power Steering, Lane Automotive, Oakley, Outerwears, Port City Racing, R2C Performance, Ringers Gloves, Scott Performance Wire, Sweet Mfg., TWM Racing, V.P. Racing Fuels, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Wilwood Engineering, and Wrisco.
To learn more about the Iron Motorsports team, log onto their home on the web located at www.jeepvanwormer.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
www.delphcommunications.com
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Seth Moody stock on the Rise
While many race fans were excited to see Johnny Benson along with CRA Stars Johnny Vandoorn, Scott Hantz and racing prodigy Ross Kenseth last Saturday night at Berlin, the biggest story of the night for me was Seth Moody.
Moody pictured above in his 2008 Winston Speedway Mini Stock is proving he has a very fast learning curve. Moody started racing Karts at the age of ten in 2004. By the end of his first Karting season he had won all of the main events he raced in at Ravenna Motorsports Park. Over the last five years he has been willing to jump in anything that can give him seat time.
People are taking notice as he has had success in everything with a steering wheel. Whether it is an Arena car or a CRA Late Model Seth has shown skills far above his age.
Seth backed up his sixth place finish at Toledo Speedway in his ASA Northern Late Model car with an eighth place finish Berlin's CRA event.
Look for the Middleville driver to keep working hard and keep working his way up the ladder as he chases his dream
Seth Moody Website can be found here
RIP: Adam Petty
It seems like yesterday I was on my way to Winston Motor Speedway when I heard the news that Adam Petty had been tragically killed. Today is already the 10th anniversary of his passing.
Adam's career and life were abruptly cut short on 12 May 2000, when during practice for the Busch race at New Hampshire International Speedway, his car hit the turn three wall with great impact. Adam was rushed to a local hospital but could not be revived. We'll never know what he could have accomplished on or off the track. The racing community, his fans and family miss him greatly.
I personally had the chance to meet him at Berlin raceway when he was racing ASA at the age of seventeen. His smile could light up the room and he was as genuine as any person you would ever meet.
I also remember laughing after he drove an Outlaw Late models at Berlin and stated with a big smile on his face "Those cars are like a Go-Karts on steroids"
RIP Adam
VIDEO: Kyle Busch Local Go Cart Racing
Video: NASCAR star Kyle Busch races go-karts against fans in West Michigan
By Mike Mulholland
The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 8:45PM
NASCAR star Kyle Busch made a pit stop in West Michigan on Tuesday, racing go-karts against the fans at Craig's Cruisers in Wyoming.
By Mike Mulholland
The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 8:45PM
NASCAR star Kyle Busch made a pit stop in West Michigan on Tuesday, racing go-karts against the fans at Craig's Cruisers in Wyoming.
| NASCAR star Kyle Busch races go-carts against fans in West Michigan |
Kyle Busch: Gentleman?
NASCAR 'Bad Boy' Kyle Busch shows his gentleman side in a go-kart
By Brian VanOchten | The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 9:30PM
I got spun out by Kyle Busch.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup star has done the same to just about everyone else on the top circuit in stock car racing, so why should I be any different, right?
In the end, though, I ended up getting the best of Busch -- albeit in a go-kart.
Busch made a pit stop in West Michigan on Tuesday to the absolute delight of a few hundred fans who showed up to get his autograph, shake hands and pose for pictures at Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center, 5730 Clyde Park Ave. SW.
The engaging 25-year-old mingled with the media and then hit the slick indoor track to compete against some of his fans in go-karts.
The huge smiles and laughs from the folks getting passed by one of NASCAR's biggest and brightest starts made for a fun afternoon.
In the last heat of the afternoon, I had my pick of the normal karts. I got some insider tips from Dave the mechanic, who told me which of the karts might be able to keep up with Busch's "specially prepared" No. 18 M&M's kart. His kart had the throttle running wide open.
Instead of speed, I made the strategic decision to attempt to get a head start against Busch and the rest of the amateurs in the 12-car field.
I took the No. 17 car at the front of the line and started from the pole position on the inside rail. We lined up two wide and six deep, with Busch going to the rear of the pack. His biggest challenge was getting through the traffic snarl in front of him before the end of the eight-lap heat.
I figured if I could get a clean jump at the start and just hit my marks on a tight inside line around the track, Busch would have to catch me from behind. The strategy worked like a charm. I broke from the pack in the first turn and mashed the accelerator.
Nothing but clear track in front of me for seven full laps.
Of course, Busch chased me down on the final lap. He slammed into the left rear corner of my kart and turned me sideways, but he didn't fully spin me out. I steered out of the spin, keeping my foot on the accelerator and staying close to his rear bumper through the tighter, shorter turns in the middle of the track.
Into the final turn, Busch, already having dismissed me like a nervous soccer mom in a 4-cylinder mini-van, swept wide to the outside to block a passing attempt from Michigan International Speedway president Roger Curtis, who also was running in a "specially prepared" kart.
Still on Busch's bumper, I steered hard to the inside rail and slipped underneath both Busch and Curtis with about a hundred yards to the finish line. The checkered flag was all mine.
I pulled off the track feeling like I'd just slam-dunked on LeBron James or hit a Justin Verlander fastball into the upper deck.
Even though I knew better.
I did, however, win the undisputed Grand Rapids Press driving championship.
I left our motorsports writer, Steve Kaminski, and videographer, Mike Mulholland, in another ZIP code. (Full disclosure: It definitely helped getting some track time Monday at lunch with former open-wheel racer and current Motor Racing Network announcer Jeff Striegle showing me the preferred line around the track.)
Yet, I know the truth: Busch let me go in that final turn. He made my daydream come to life. Thanks.
In fact, Busch, who has developed sort of a "Bad Boy" image on the track, couldn't have been nicer throughout his appearance. He showed everyone he's a good-natured, fun-loving, wise-cracking character off the track who appreciates all of the adoration he gets from fans.
In the end, we shook hands after our race and he ended up showing me what a genuine class act he is -- on and off the track.
One last thing: If he wants a rematch, I'm all for it. Except I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a much bigger head start if that happens.
By Brian VanOchten | The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 9:30PM
I got spun out by Kyle Busch.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup star has done the same to just about everyone else on the top circuit in stock car racing, so why should I be any different, right?
In the end, though, I ended up getting the best of Busch -- albeit in a go-kart.
Busch made a pit stop in West Michigan on Tuesday to the absolute delight of a few hundred fans who showed up to get his autograph, shake hands and pose for pictures at Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center, 5730 Clyde Park Ave. SW.
The engaging 25-year-old mingled with the media and then hit the slick indoor track to compete against some of his fans in go-karts.
The huge smiles and laughs from the folks getting passed by one of NASCAR's biggest and brightest starts made for a fun afternoon.
In the last heat of the afternoon, I had my pick of the normal karts. I got some insider tips from Dave the mechanic, who told me which of the karts might be able to keep up with Busch's "specially prepared" No. 18 M&M's kart. His kart had the throttle running wide open.
Instead of speed, I made the strategic decision to attempt to get a head start against Busch and the rest of the amateurs in the 12-car field.
I took the No. 17 car at the front of the line and started from the pole position on the inside rail. We lined up two wide and six deep, with Busch going to the rear of the pack. His biggest challenge was getting through the traffic snarl in front of him before the end of the eight-lap heat.
I figured if I could get a clean jump at the start and just hit my marks on a tight inside line around the track, Busch would have to catch me from behind. The strategy worked like a charm. I broke from the pack in the first turn and mashed the accelerator.
Nothing but clear track in front of me for seven full laps.
Of course, Busch chased me down on the final lap. He slammed into the left rear corner of my kart and turned me sideways, but he didn't fully spin me out. I steered out of the spin, keeping my foot on the accelerator and staying close to his rear bumper through the tighter, shorter turns in the middle of the track.
Into the final turn, Busch, already having dismissed me like a nervous soccer mom in a 4-cylinder mini-van, swept wide to the outside to block a passing attempt from Michigan International Speedway president Roger Curtis, who also was running in a "specially prepared" kart.
Still on Busch's bumper, I steered hard to the inside rail and slipped underneath both Busch and Curtis with about a hundred yards to the finish line. The checkered flag was all mine.
I pulled off the track feeling like I'd just slam-dunked on LeBron James or hit a Justin Verlander fastball into the upper deck.
Even though I knew better.
I did, however, win the undisputed Grand Rapids Press driving championship.
I left our motorsports writer, Steve Kaminski, and videographer, Mike Mulholland, in another ZIP code. (Full disclosure: It definitely helped getting some track time Monday at lunch with former open-wheel racer and current Motor Racing Network announcer Jeff Striegle showing me the preferred line around the track.)
Yet, I know the truth: Busch let me go in that final turn. He made my daydream come to life. Thanks.
In fact, Busch, who has developed sort of a "Bad Boy" image on the track, couldn't have been nicer throughout his appearance. He showed everyone he's a good-natured, fun-loving, wise-cracking character off the track who appreciates all of the adoration he gets from fans.
In the end, we shook hands after our race and he ended up showing me what a genuine class act he is -- on and off the track.
One last thing: If he wants a rematch, I'm all for it. Except I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a much bigger head start if that happens.
Local fans say getting smoked by Kyle Busch in go-kart worth chance to meet NASCAR star
Local fans say getting smoked by Kyle Busch in go-kart worth chance to meet NASCAR star
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 10:15PM
A fired up Adam Vincent strapped himself into the No. 88 go-kart Tuesday afternoon at Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center, then pumped his fist into the air and gave out a few screeches.
"Here comes the rain," said Vincent, 39, of Wayland. "Watch me smoke his butt."
The race hardly went the way Vincent envisioned, but in retrospect, he said it still was awfully cool.
Michigan International Speedway officials brought NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch to West Michigan for a media stop Tuesday to help promote the June 13 Sprint Cup Heluva Good 400. Not only did Busch meet with local media, he also participated in a series of go-kart races against local fans.
Busch raced a No. 18 yellow M&M's kart painted just like the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota he drives in Sprint Cup. It turned out that Busch was the one smoking the competition throughout the day.
Fans earned the right to race Busch through a series of qualifying runs during an open two-hour session Tuesday morning.
"He came up behind me and was pushing and I knew it was him and he gave me a love tap," Vincent said. "I was moving people and having a good time, but he used me as a door opener. But it was a good time. That's what it is all about. He gave me props afterwards.
"It's just a privilege to race against someone of this caliber. Never in a million years did I think I was going to get a chance to do so. It's definitely something I can tell the grandkids about."
Busch enters Sunday's race at Dover ranked third in the point standings, and he posted his first win of the season May 1 at Richmond.
He has expanded his role from driver to car owner this season now that he operates Kyle Busch Motorsports. That teams includes a pair of NASCAR Camping World Trucks driven by Brian Ickler and Tayler Malsam.
He said he doesn't often have time to get away like he did Tuesday and have fun at a go-kart track with fans.
"It's a cool place," Busch said. "It's neat to have that much stuff indoors, especially to be able to go inside on a rainy day and race."
Busch has 17 career Cup victories, with 13 of them coming since 2008. Only four-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson has more victories (17) during that stretch.
Busch failed to make the Chase a year ago and said qualifying for NASCAR's postseason is his main goal this season.
"We got to make the Chase," Busch said. "It's your season. If you miss the Chase, you're done. The last 10 races, all you are racing for is TV time. Last year, we wanted to feel like we were racing for something, so we wanted to finish 13th, or the best of the worst.
"When you look at it, it's Joe Gibbs Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing doesn't like being No. 2."
"You get to see what he is like outside of that racing suit," Vincent said. "Here he is in jeans and a shirt, just a regular guy. Sometimes, these guys get perceived as arrogant. He's not arrogant. He's here. He's just like an average guy from Berlin, I-96, Kalamazoo who comes up and says, 'Hi, thanks for coming to the racetrack.' "
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 10:15PM
A fired up Adam Vincent strapped himself into the No. 88 go-kart Tuesday afternoon at Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center, then pumped his fist into the air and gave out a few screeches.
"Here comes the rain," said Vincent, 39, of Wayland. "Watch me smoke his butt."
The race hardly went the way Vincent envisioned, but in retrospect, he said it still was awfully cool.
Michigan International Speedway officials brought NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch to West Michigan for a media stop Tuesday to help promote the June 13 Sprint Cup Heluva Good 400. Not only did Busch meet with local media, he also participated in a series of go-kart races against local fans.
Busch raced a No. 18 yellow M&M's kart painted just like the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota he drives in Sprint Cup. It turned out that Busch was the one smoking the competition throughout the day.
Fans earned the right to race Busch through a series of qualifying runs during an open two-hour session Tuesday morning.
"He came up behind me and was pushing and I knew it was him and he gave me a love tap," Vincent said. "I was moving people and having a good time, but he used me as a door opener. But it was a good time. That's what it is all about. He gave me props afterwards.
"It's just a privilege to race against someone of this caliber. Never in a million years did I think I was going to get a chance to do so. It's definitely something I can tell the grandkids about."
Busch enters Sunday's race at Dover ranked third in the point standings, and he posted his first win of the season May 1 at Richmond.
He has expanded his role from driver to car owner this season now that he operates Kyle Busch Motorsports. That teams includes a pair of NASCAR Camping World Trucks driven by Brian Ickler and Tayler Malsam.
He said he doesn't often have time to get away like he did Tuesday and have fun at a go-kart track with fans.
"It's a cool place," Busch said. "It's neat to have that much stuff indoors, especially to be able to go inside on a rainy day and race."
Busch has 17 career Cup victories, with 13 of them coming since 2008. Only four-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson has more victories (17) during that stretch.
Busch failed to make the Chase a year ago and said qualifying for NASCAR's postseason is his main goal this season.
"We got to make the Chase," Busch said. "It's your season. If you miss the Chase, you're done. The last 10 races, all you are racing for is TV time. Last year, we wanted to feel like we were racing for something, so we wanted to finish 13th, or the best of the worst.
"When you look at it, it's Joe Gibbs Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing doesn't like being No. 2."
"You get to see what he is like outside of that racing suit," Vincent said. "Here he is in jeans and a shirt, just a regular guy. Sometimes, these guys get perceived as arrogant. He's not arrogant. He's here. He's just like an average guy from Berlin, I-96, Kalamazoo who comes up and says, 'Hi, thanks for coming to the racetrack.' "
Take a ride with NASCAR's Kyle Busch, and you might find you like him after all
Take a ride with NASCAR's Kyle Busch, and you might find you like him after all
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 9:45PM
WYOMING -- You know what happened to me Tuesday? I got a chance to be part of Kyle Busch's entourage.
Truthfully, I only got about 30 minutes or so to hang with Busch one on one. But, what the heck, it's my story, and I'm thinking he will call me to be his best man at his upcoming wedding any day now. Hope his brother Kurt isn't too disappointed.
The folks at Michigan International Speedway invited me to meet them at the airport Tuesday morning when they picked up Busch, and they said I could drive with them over to Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center for an interview. They would then take me back with Busch to the airport once the media day was completed.
Man, it seems like Busch has the life. He gets to drive fast cars and he is all over the place. He was in Orlando on Monday before flying up to Chicago. He then headed to West Michigan for Tuesday's visit.
I asked the Las Vegas native what is the best thing about being one of stock car racing's top drivers as we drove along Clyde Park Avenue SW.
Well, it's apparently not all glamour.
"I will tell you what. There is a lot of pros and a lot of cons," Busch said. "Of course, the pros are that you make a great living and you get to travel the country all the time. You have beautiful toys and a nice home.
"But the cons are that you are always in the limelight, you are always in the media. You are not quite a Hollywood star, but any little drama that comes about, you do one tiny little thing wrong, and it overshadows everything.
If I walked into that Menards store right now and had a photo of me taken, I would be in trouble because I am a Home Depot guy. All of us have to deal with it, but I'm going to say I get criticized a lot more than the rest. I don't know what it's from or what I've done, but I have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way."
Hmmm. I didn't say this out loud because my car was back at the airport and it was pouring down rain. It would have been awful if he had kicked me out of the car.
But still, I was thinking maybe he rubs people the wrong way because he smashed a beautiful guitar after winning at Nashville last year. I also wanted to tell him to quit bowing to all those booing fans after he wins a race. That just makes them madder. He knows that. That's why he does it.
Here's a suggestion, though, in case Busch rubs you the wrong way.
Give him a closer look. You might end up cheering for him.
I found him to be polite and personable, and he cares a lot about the fans, even the ones who boo him. It's amazing how much time and resources he puts into his Late Model team that will compete at Berlin Raceway on June 15.
Busch is an awfully sharp kid, too. Keep in mind he's only 25 and he already has his own team that includes two NASCAR Camping World Trucks.
The thing I like most about Busch, though, is probably what rubs some people the wrong way. He speaks his mind.
You know what he said about the incident between Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski at Atlanta?
"Ever since (Keselowski) got upside down at Atlanta, he has had his head on straight," Busch said. "Good job, Carl."
Did I mention Busch is just a fun kid to hang around with, even if it's for only 30 minutes?
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
May 11, 2010, 9:45PM
WYOMING -- You know what happened to me Tuesday? I got a chance to be part of Kyle Busch's entourage.
Truthfully, I only got about 30 minutes or so to hang with Busch one on one. But, what the heck, it's my story, and I'm thinking he will call me to be his best man at his upcoming wedding any day now. Hope his brother Kurt isn't too disappointed.
The folks at Michigan International Speedway invited me to meet them at the airport Tuesday morning when they picked up Busch, and they said I could drive with them over to Craig's Cruisers Family Fun Center for an interview. They would then take me back with Busch to the airport once the media day was completed.
Man, it seems like Busch has the life. He gets to drive fast cars and he is all over the place. He was in Orlando on Monday before flying up to Chicago. He then headed to West Michigan for Tuesday's visit.
I asked the Las Vegas native what is the best thing about being one of stock car racing's top drivers as we drove along Clyde Park Avenue SW.
Well, it's apparently not all glamour.
"I will tell you what. There is a lot of pros and a lot of cons," Busch said. "Of course, the pros are that you make a great living and you get to travel the country all the time. You have beautiful toys and a nice home.
"But the cons are that you are always in the limelight, you are always in the media. You are not quite a Hollywood star, but any little drama that comes about, you do one tiny little thing wrong, and it overshadows everything.
If I walked into that Menards store right now and had a photo of me taken, I would be in trouble because I am a Home Depot guy. All of us have to deal with it, but I'm going to say I get criticized a lot more than the rest. I don't know what it's from or what I've done, but I have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way."
Hmmm. I didn't say this out loud because my car was back at the airport and it was pouring down rain. It would have been awful if he had kicked me out of the car.
But still, I was thinking maybe he rubs people the wrong way because he smashed a beautiful guitar after winning at Nashville last year. I also wanted to tell him to quit bowing to all those booing fans after he wins a race. That just makes them madder. He knows that. That's why he does it.
Here's a suggestion, though, in case Busch rubs you the wrong way.
Give him a closer look. You might end up cheering for him.
I found him to be polite and personable, and he cares a lot about the fans, even the ones who boo him. It's amazing how much time and resources he puts into his Late Model team that will compete at Berlin Raceway on June 15.
Busch is an awfully sharp kid, too. Keep in mind he's only 25 and he already has his own team that includes two NASCAR Camping World Trucks.
The thing I like most about Busch, though, is probably what rubs some people the wrong way. He speaks his mind.
You know what he said about the incident between Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski at Atlanta?
"Ever since (Keselowski) got upside down at Atlanta, he has had his head on straight," Busch said. "Good job, Carl."
Did I mention Busch is just a fun kid to hang around with, even if it's for only 30 minutes?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Benson's Return a Wet One
Weather dampens Johnny Benson's first race at Berlin Raceway since June crash
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
May 10, 2010, 8:00AM
Adam Bird | The Grand Rapids PressJohnny Benson talks about the setup of his car with team members before racing Saturday night.MARNE -- Johnny Benson Jr. exorcized any lingering demons that he might have had for his home track when he finished third Saturday night in the CRA Super Series 125-lap race at Berlin Raceway.
It was an even better night for Brian Campbell of Wyoming, who won the race. It also was awfully good for runner-up Chris Anthony of Walker, who now has four top-five CRA finishes in five career starts.
Unfortunately, not many people saw it. The cold, wind and threat of rain Saturday resulted in a sparse crowd of about 1,000 spectators.
The weather forced second-year promoter Mike Blackmer to make one of the toughest calls of his young reign. Should Berlin race or not? It wasn't an easy decision for Blackmer.
In fact, The Press was able to find only one other short track across the state that was open Friday or Saturday. Galesburg Speedway also ran Saturday.
"The deciding factor was that a lot of teams from out of town called me Wednesday and Thursday," Blackmer said. "For instance, a lot of people from Kyle Busch's team were flying in to work with Johnny Benson, so they called me before they flew in and wanted to make sure I was committed to getting the program in, knowing that the weather was bad. They wanted to know if I was at least going to try, and I said yes.
"You can't make money if you close, and you can't make money if you are open. I was going to have to take a risk. I have no idea how we came out, but I think we will be OK.
"I did have some sponsors come up to me and tell me that I at least earned respect of some of the drivers today because I hung it out there when a lot of people would have called this at 10 o'clock (in the morning)."
Weather has played havoc with the start of the 2010 area racing season. Berlin's April 24 season opener was rained out, and when officials tried again on May 2, they were only able to complete one feature race.
"We had a scheduled practice (Friday), and we came here and were canceled, and it caught me emotionally," Blackmer said. "I'm like, 'What am I doing wrong here?' But it worked out. We got the race in, and we are OK."
Campbell established himself as the driver to beat when CRA returns for the June 15 Rowdy’s Revenge 251, which will pay the winner up to $25,000 -- the final figure will be determined by car count. Campbell, the defending ASA Late Model champion, passed Benson on Lap 35 Saturday and was never headed in a race that was slowed 11 times by caution.
Benson never was able to make a serious challenge on Campbell or Anthony the rest of the way. However, the night ended much better than the last time he competed at Berlin last June 13. That was the night Benson was involved in a vicious accident that kept him sidelined from competition for the next eight months.
"It was the first race since the big wreck, so it feels good to be back here," Benson said. "We always have great fans. I hated that the weather was bad and the crowd was down, but it was a pretty good race for the people that did show up. It was cold, but the race itself was good."
Benson has a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ride with Billy Ballew Motorsports for Friday's race at Dover.
Mike Bursley of Zeeland won the 35-lap Modified feature, while Jason Scheid won 4 Cylinders A and John Norder captured the 4 Cylinders B main.
By Steve Kaminski | The Grand Rapids Press
May 10, 2010, 8:00AM
Adam Bird | The Grand Rapids PressJohnny Benson talks about the setup of his car with team members before racing Saturday night.MARNE -- Johnny Benson Jr. exorcized any lingering demons that he might have had for his home track when he finished third Saturday night in the CRA Super Series 125-lap race at Berlin Raceway.
It was an even better night for Brian Campbell of Wyoming, who won the race. It also was awfully good for runner-up Chris Anthony of Walker, who now has four top-five CRA finishes in five career starts.
Unfortunately, not many people saw it. The cold, wind and threat of rain Saturday resulted in a sparse crowd of about 1,000 spectators.
The weather forced second-year promoter Mike Blackmer to make one of the toughest calls of his young reign. Should Berlin race or not? It wasn't an easy decision for Blackmer.
In fact, The Press was able to find only one other short track across the state that was open Friday or Saturday. Galesburg Speedway also ran Saturday.
"The deciding factor was that a lot of teams from out of town called me Wednesday and Thursday," Blackmer said. "For instance, a lot of people from Kyle Busch's team were flying in to work with Johnny Benson, so they called me before they flew in and wanted to make sure I was committed to getting the program in, knowing that the weather was bad. They wanted to know if I was at least going to try, and I said yes.
"You can't make money if you close, and you can't make money if you are open. I was going to have to take a risk. I have no idea how we came out, but I think we will be OK.
"I did have some sponsors come up to me and tell me that I at least earned respect of some of the drivers today because I hung it out there when a lot of people would have called this at 10 o'clock (in the morning)."
Weather has played havoc with the start of the 2010 area racing season. Berlin's April 24 season opener was rained out, and when officials tried again on May 2, they were only able to complete one feature race.
"We had a scheduled practice (Friday), and we came here and were canceled, and it caught me emotionally," Blackmer said. "I'm like, 'What am I doing wrong here?' But it worked out. We got the race in, and we are OK."
Campbell established himself as the driver to beat when CRA returns for the June 15 Rowdy’s Revenge 251, which will pay the winner up to $25,000 -- the final figure will be determined by car count. Campbell, the defending ASA Late Model champion, passed Benson on Lap 35 Saturday and was never headed in a race that was slowed 11 times by caution.
Benson never was able to make a serious challenge on Campbell or Anthony the rest of the way. However, the night ended much better than the last time he competed at Berlin last June 13. That was the night Benson was involved in a vicious accident that kept him sidelined from competition for the next eight months.
"It was the first race since the big wreck, so it feels good to be back here," Benson said. "We always have great fans. I hated that the weather was bad and the crowd was down, but it was a pretty good race for the people that did show up. It was cold, but the race itself was good."
Benson has a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ride with Billy Ballew Motorsports for Friday's race at Dover.
Mike Bursley of Zeeland won the 35-lap Modified feature, while Jason Scheid won 4 Cylinders A and John Norder captured the 4 Cylinders B main.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Video and Photos of Benson's Return to Berlin
| Johnny Benson third in return to Berlin Raceway |
Photo Gallery: Click on Photo
It is Campbell, Anthony, and Benson at Berlin
Johnny Benson third in return to Berlin Raceway
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
May 08, 2010, 11:45PM
Defending CRA Super Series champion Brian Campbell of Wyoming had his strategy all planned out prior to Saturday night’s Keyser’s Port City Racing 125 at Berlin Raceway.
All those plans went by the wayside, though, once the green flag dropped, and it turned out that Campbell is pretty good at improvising.
Campbell grabbed the lead away from Johnny Benson Jr. on lap 35 and led the rest of the way for the win. Campbell beat out Chris Anthony of Walker by 2.036 seconds, followed by Benson, Johnny VanDoorn of Coopersville and Alec Carll of Grand Rapids.
“I wasn’t planning on leading that early, but that was the hand that was dealt and I was able to fight them off,” said Campbell, who also set fast time. “I was getting nervous the middle part of the race (with all the cautions), but I stuck it out and everybody did a good job.”
Benson was making his first start at his home track since he crashed out in an International Supermodified Association race this past June. Benson was sidelined with injuries the remainder of the season.
Benson, who is racing part time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season, raced Kyle Busch’s car Saturday. Benson is helping Busch prepare for the June 15 Rowdy’s Revenge 251 at Berlin.
“I would have liked to have finished a little bit higher, but it was OK,” Benson said. “This was the first race since the big wreck, and it feels good to be back.”
Anthony, who qualified second, said he is expecting to run about three CRA races this season. Anderson has five CRA career starts and four top-five finishes. He equaled a career-best second, which he finished a year ago at Berlin.
"The car was really good tonight,” Anthony said. “I tried to ride around and waste some time early and wait until the end, but the tires were gone. I couldn’t catch him. I tried and tried.
“There were a lot of cautions and it was cold, and that didn’t help the tires. I was pushing really hard on the restarts, and that probably hurt us in the long run. But I never lost any spots off of it and was able to get a pretty good gap (on Benson).”
Mike Bursley won Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified feature, while Jason Scheid captured the 4 Cylinder A main and John Norder was first in 4 Cylinder B.
By Steve Kaminski
The Grand Rapids Press
May 08, 2010, 11:45PM
Defending CRA Super Series champion Brian Campbell of Wyoming had his strategy all planned out prior to Saturday night’s Keyser’s Port City Racing 125 at Berlin Raceway.
All those plans went by the wayside, though, once the green flag dropped, and it turned out that Campbell is pretty good at improvising.
Campbell grabbed the lead away from Johnny Benson Jr. on lap 35 and led the rest of the way for the win. Campbell beat out Chris Anthony of Walker by 2.036 seconds, followed by Benson, Johnny VanDoorn of Coopersville and Alec Carll of Grand Rapids.
“I wasn’t planning on leading that early, but that was the hand that was dealt and I was able to fight them off,” said Campbell, who also set fast time. “I was getting nervous the middle part of the race (with all the cautions), but I stuck it out and everybody did a good job.”
Benson was making his first start at his home track since he crashed out in an International Supermodified Association race this past June. Benson was sidelined with injuries the remainder of the season.
Benson, who is racing part time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season, raced Kyle Busch’s car Saturday. Benson is helping Busch prepare for the June 15 Rowdy’s Revenge 251 at Berlin.
“I would have liked to have finished a little bit higher, but it was OK,” Benson said. “This was the first race since the big wreck, and it feels good to be back.”
Anthony, who qualified second, said he is expecting to run about three CRA races this season. Anderson has five CRA career starts and four top-five finishes. He equaled a career-best second, which he finished a year ago at Berlin.
"The car was really good tonight,” Anthony said. “I tried to ride around and waste some time early and wait until the end, but the tires were gone. I couldn’t catch him. I tried and tried.
“There were a lot of cautions and it was cold, and that didn’t help the tires. I was pushing really hard on the restarts, and that probably hurt us in the long run. But I never lost any spots off of it and was able to get a pretty good gap (on Benson).”
Mike Bursley won Saturday night’s 35-lap Modified feature, while Jason Scheid captured the 4 Cylinder A main and John Norder was first in 4 Cylinder B.
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